For Hilton, the assignment marks another step in its ongoing relationship with Virginia Tech, as the company already spearheads management activities for Virginia Tech Foundation's the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

"Virginia Tech is instituting this new working relationship with Hilton two years ahead of the new hotel and conference center's grand opening to allow ample time to perfect coordinated operations with the Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center staff, which will move to the new facility, and to plan administration of a second large operation with first-class facilities." Hilton's assignment for the new hotel and conference center, as well as for the Donaldson Brown property, is to begin in October.